asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will cause to be placed in the Library the script of that portion of the Radio Éireann news dealing with the Dáil proceedings issued on the 6.30 p.m. and 10.15 p.m. news on Thursday, 8th January, 1959, and also the script of "To-day in the Dáil" on the same day.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Script of Radio Éireann News Broadcast.
44.
It has been the practice for many years not to make copies of the radio news reports available to the members of the Oireachtas or indeed to anybody outside the broadcasting service, and I see no reason to modify that practice.
Did the Minister himself read this?
I did.
Does the Minister not agree the report was absolutely outrageous, that it was a complete travesty of what occurred in this House as reported in the Official Reports?
I do not agree.
Is the Minister still speaking?
No.
I am willing to sit down, if he wishes. Did the Minister find in these reports anything to suggest that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle withdrew after the resumption? Did the Minister find in these reports anything to suggest that the proceedings which continued afterwards were proceedings on the basis of order as originally suggested by the Opposition? Did the Minister find in these reports anything to suggest that the section that bad been put, in error, and which was reported as having been put by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, was subsequently withdrawn?
That is a separate question.
In view of the fact that the reports on that occasion were an utter travesty, in the opinion of this side of the House at any rate, would the Minister put the scripts on the Table of the House so that everybody can judge for himself? I shall be quite satisfied, if be will do that. I happened to be listening on that occasion. Does the Minister not propose to do that?
I do not.
The Minister, therefore, is prepared to cover up his colleagues, because that is what it amounts to.